ATHENS, Ohio (Dec. 5, 2006) -- Ohio University has named Michael Braasch, an electrical engineering professor in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, as interim director of the Avionics Engineering Center.

The Thomas Professor of Engineering in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Braasch has been involved in navigation system research since 1985. He joined the Avionics Engineering Center in 1989 as a research engineer and the Russ College faculty in 1994.

"It's a great honor to be selected to lead the center during this time," Braasch said. "I have dedicated my career to the Avionics Engineering Center and am very excited about the future of this world-class team."

Braasch, one of the co-inventors of a specialized GPS antenna for use at airports, is internationally recognized for his work in analyzing and improving GPS accuracy. He is currently researching GPS software radio design, advanced cockpit displays, high dynamic flight-testing and navigation of unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs).

The Avionics Engineering Center is the only institution of its kind in the United States. Over its 43-year history, it has provided leading industry and government organizations with technical solutions for a variety of aerospace communication, navigation and surveillance issues. The center also consults for some of the busiest international airports on the planet.

The center's director, James Rankin, was named interim vice president for research for Ohio University, effective Dec. 1.